Yesterday, we had our first tiyul (trip) in a while. We began the morning at Kfar Maccabiah, where we visited the World Jewish Sports Museum and learned about the history of Jewish sports over the years. Before coming here, I hadn’t realized how significant and rich the history of Judaism was in this realm. One of the most memorable parts of the museum for me was learning about the tragic events at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Terrorists entered the Olympic Village, immediately killing two Israeli athletes and taking nine others hostage, all of whom were eventually murdered. The story was incredibly heartbreaking, and it stayed with me throughout the rest of the tour. However, it also filled me with immense pride to learn how the remaining athletes honored the memory of those lost by competing their hardest in their respective events.

We also had the honor of hearing from Tal Brody, a legendary American basketball player who chose to come to Israel and play for Maccabi Tel Aviv rather than join the NBA. Eventually, he made aliyah and became a proud Israeli. It was truly inspiring to hear how he balanced his deep passion for Zionism with his love for basketball throughout his career. His story made me reflect on my own passions and how they shape my identity.

The day ended with Gadna, a 6.5-hour mock army training course. We were split into two groups and hiked through forests, practiced Krav Maga, and learned to shoot fake M16s and pistols. We also gained crucial insights into life in a combat unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), such as knowing which color lights to use, how to walk in formation, the importance of communication, and how to mark our paths discreetly. One of the most interesting lessons was learning that voices carry farther and louder than the noise of a vehicle, which can be used strategically in military situations. We also practiced how to react when a grenade is thrown at you and how even the smallest details and objects are used by armies to detect enemy movements.

After dinner, we painted our faces with green, brown, and black face paint to camouflage ourselves as much as possible. The instructors then led us to a cleared area in the forest, where we faced off in a camouflaged game of "capture the glow stick." It was intense, but incredibly fun. We concluded the day with a lesson on how to carry an injured person, which we did semi-successfully. This activity was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It made me feel empowered and more connected to the IDF soldiers who protect Israel every day.

All in all, this week has made me realize the profound connection I’ve developed with the land of Israel over the past three months. The breathtaking sights, the incredible food, and the amazing people I’ve met during my time at Muss have all had a significant impact on who I am as a person. As our time here starts to wind down, I’m more determined than ever to make the most of every moment because I know when it’s time to leave, I’m going to wish we had more.

 

Cassie is a sophomore at Edina High School in Minnesota.